Circular Solutions: The Positive Impact of Recycled Rubber Surfaces
From playgrounds and sports arenas to roads and concrete, the recycled rubber industry has emerged as a key player in promoting a circular economy. This economic model prioritizes efficient resource utilization and waste reduction by continuously repurposing and recycling materials. Instead of disposing of items when we are finished with them, a circular economy promotes sustainability by fostering practices like sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products. The recycled rubber industry is playing a pivotal role in advancing a circular approach by transforming discarded tires into versatile surfaces that serve both practical and sustainable purposes.
Recycled rubber is a widely-studied surface material and has been researched for decades by academics and governments. One example of recycled rubber's many innovative applications is in rubber-modified asphalt (RMA). Used to pave the roads we drive on, RMA incorporates recycled crumb rubber into the asphalt mix, acting as a binder to improve the pavement's durability, flexibility, and resistance while simultaneously reducing emissions and traffic noise. This sustainable approach not only finds a valuable use for recycled rubber but also contributes to the overall performance and longevity of the asphalt surface.
Recycled rubber surfaces also play a crucial role in the safety and accessibility of playgrounds. With various applications—like poured-in-place rubber, rubber mulch, and rubber tiles—these surfaces are capable of cushioning falls from heights of 12-16 feet, significantly reducing the risk of severe injuries for children at play. Rubberized playground surfaces are also more accessible for children with disabilities, offering an easier path for children with mobility aids to play on.
Rubberized surfaces don't just protect children from falls, rubber's high degree of surface friction also helps prevent slips in nursing homes and healthcare facilities. Additionally, rubber surfaces in these facilities provide extra comfort and are quieter, making the experience better for medical providers and caretakers. You can even find these surfaces at your local gyms, running tracks, and tennis courts!
Moreover, many of these surfaces are customizable and are great for commercial use, offering designers and architects an innovative alternative to standard flooring. With various color choices and models, they can be designed and curated to fit in any space. Recycled rubber floors have water-resistant properties that prevent damage from spills and moisture.
Recycled rubber offers a sustainable solution by providing a second life to tires that would have otherwise been discarded. These tires might end up in landfills or in incinerators—both of which pose environmental and health risks. With almost 300 million scrap tires produced every year, increased adoption of recycled rubber surfaces will significantly reduce waste while also positively contributing to the economy.